“Is Jamie my intended?”
“Lady Keely, please doona force me to answer any questions about who the laird has chosen for ye.”
Even if she could stomach the notion of marrying again—she struggled with what followed… the marriage bed. Heat spiraled up her body. Something so sacred should be shared with a man she loved. A man she chose, not someone Alex, her father, or anyone else designated.
“The gown.” She attempted to focus on something else. “Show it to me, please.”
A slow smile warmed Leah’s face as she got up and retrieved the delicate dress from the back of a chair. The maid held it up. “The color suits ye.”
Aye, light green wool with silver threading and silver beads. There were matching slippers on the floor. “Where is the bag I travelled with?”
“I put yer garments away already.”
“I had jewels.”
“Aye. In the chest over there.” The maid pointed to the far wall where two trunks were situated.
The bag she’d managed to escape with had everything in the world she cared about, including an emerald and gold necklace and ring from her ma. If there was ever an occasion to wear the heirlooms, now would be an appropriate time. “Please bring the jewelry basket to me.”
“But, milady, there is no need. Laird Alex has supplied a wedding gift for ye.” Leah put the dress down and hurried to the table. She opened a box. “I have never seen anything so beautiful before.”
Keely peered over her shoulder. Six breathtaking pieces awaited her approval, a necklace, ring, bracelet, brooch, and two hair combs. Each contained a brilliant ruby surrounded by gold and silver knotwork, set on gold. “This is a mistake, I am sure.” Keely eyed the maid. “Return the gifts to Alex. Tell him I canna accept such expensive things.”
“Nay,” the maid insisted. “I wouldna dare. These are exquisite, Lady Keely, brought here from Constantinople.”
Keely snorted. Why would Alex be travelling with women’s jewelry? And where had he gotten the gown? Surely these were gifts meant for his favorite concubine. Jealousy burned inside of her, but she dismissed it. What Alex did and who he did it with, dinna matter. Her future husband waited belowstairs. A fateful decision must be made, either accept her place as a MacKay or fight for her freedom.
She trekked to the narrow window and looked about. Dusk was settling in. The hills surrounding the keep were in bloom. Twas the season of possibilities. Nature always renewed itself in the summer, so why shouldna Keely do the same? She hadna slept well in days, and that exhaustion had settled bone-deep. The desire to fight against Alex was fading. And if she left there, there were a limited number of places she could go.
The Sutherlands were out of the question. What about Clan Gunn? Or the Sinclairs? Perhaps the MacLeods? She adored Elizabeth MacLeod, the laird’s youngest daughter. Nay—her presence would stir up trouble after she overstayed her welcome. The more she thought about it, even returning to her sire’s house seemed impossible.
The convent. Only for a brief moment did she consider herself worthy of becoming a nun.
A knock on the chamber door startled Keely.
Leah hurried to open it.
“Tis time,” a man said.
“Lady Keely isna ready.”
“But Laird Alex…”
“Can wait a little longer,” the maid finished for him and closed the door. She walked back to the table. “Lady Keely, what will ye have me do?”
There was another choice, one that required utter humility. She could request a meeting with Alex and beg for mercy—confess her deepest feelings for him. If he knew how she felt, surely, he wouldna marry her off to another man. He must care about her, he even told her he couldna imagine her with another man. But what kind of future could they share if it was built on regrets, anger, and lies?
She suddenly felt hot and her hands started to shake. Taking a last look about the bedchamber, she knew there was no alternative but to marry. “Make me a beautiful bride.”
Chapter Twelve
Low on patience,Alex kept close watch of the entrance to the great hall. He finished off another cup of ale and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Keely should have been there by now. Aye, women were afforded extra time, especially on their wedding night, but he suspected she was doing this on purpose to prove a point.
A hundred guests waited with him, mainly his captains and their families, his cousins, Petro, and the soldiers from his ship. The general mood reflected excitement and curiosity about the bride, for everyone knew Keely had no idea who waited to marry her. A necessary tactic to keep her from trying to escape. The lass loathed him and would never consent to wed him.
He’d celebrate their nuptials, drink and dance with her, and when it came time to go abovestairs, he’d do so with eagerness. She’d belonged to him from the day she pledged her heart and soul to him. And by divine right, according to Father Michael, Alex had been brought home from Constantinople to claim her.
The lutes and harp filled the room with sweet sound, as did the laughter of his guests. But none of it could soothe the beast within him. The celebration couldna resurrect the joy he’d felt all those years ago when he was a lad in love. Keely had consumed him body and soul with one smile and words of devotion. Her raven hair and blue eyes bewitched him then, and if he wasn’t vigilant, could do so now. For the lady had the face of an angel but the heart of a witch.
